Robust on compliance, fast on execution: How Baltic Exchange’s Escrow Service is supporting a complex market in International Shipping News 12/06/2026 Escrow services are an integral part of the maritime business for owners, charterers and brokers, ensuring secure and transparent financial transactions happen throughout the lifecycle of a deal. Whether supporting vessel sale and purchase (S&P) transactions, chartering arrangements or safeguarding disputed funds, escrow services sit at the centre of some of the shipping industry’s most critical financial processes. In recent years, the landscape for escrow transactions has evolved, with increased volatility and sanctions continuing to reshape risk management strategies and drive demand for compliant payment solutions. Anti-money laundering (AML) requirements are becoming increasingly rigid and regulatory expectations are also on the rise. At the same time, commercial transactions remain highly time sensitive, with shipowners, brokers and lawyers all under pressure to complete deals efficiently. The changing landscape is forcing market participants to take a closer look at the escrow services they rely upon, with the goal no longer being simply finding a service to hold funds. The new challenge is ensuring that funds are held securely by a trusted, independent provider who is capable of navigating increasingly complex requirements without introducing unnecessary delays. As a result, sanctions screening has become more advanced and more heavily scrutinised, financial institutions are under increasing pressure to demonstrate robust Know-Your-Customer (KYC) controls, and legal and compliance teams are applying greater levels of due diligence than in previous years, reflecting both regulatory expectations and the potential consequences of getting it wrong. Overly burdensome onboarding processes can also be frustrating for market participants and slow down transaction time. Equally, insufficient due diligence can expos